Freeze teams out as the big chill continues

FREEZE teams are out in force again today after temperatures plummeted overnight.

Sunderland City Council said its ‘street scene’ staff were again out on snow-clearing duties today around schools, nursing and residential homes, shopping centres, bus stops and major pedestrian routes.

A spokeswoman said: “Last night was exceptionally cold with temperatures reaching as low as -8.7 in some areas.

“All routes were treated at 2am this morning and all routes are reported to be running well.”

Motorists are being advised to drive carefully and allow extra time for their journeys.

Pedestrians are also being warned to take extra care on the pavements.

Today forecast predicts another cold and day with temperatures remaining below freezing for much of the day.

Road surface temperatures will drop to -7 degrees in some areas through this evening bringing widespread frost and icy patches.

Isolated snow showers are expected from 9pm this evening although these will be light and unlikely to accumulate.

Forecasters say Friday morning will see a band of snow arriving from the West bringing increasingly frequent and significant accumulations.

All areas will see up to 5cms of snow with the Westernly most areas hit worst.

Snow showers will continue throughout Friday and will become more significant throughout the evening and night-time.